Koch went down fighting corruption

New Yorkers will remember Ed Koch, who died over the weekend, mostly for his tenure as mayor of New York City. But his last act of public life, one which did not succeed, is also worth remembering.

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Posted Feb. 6, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Posted Feb. 6, 2013 at 2:00 AM

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New Yorkers will remember Ed Koch, who died over the weekend, mostly for his tenure as mayor of New York City. But his last act of public life, one which did not succeed, is also worth remembering.

Two elections ago Koch decided that he would take on the corrupt practice at the heart of so many of New York's problems, gerrymandering. Legislative and party leaders have long carved up New York's legislative and congressional districts as if they owned the state. They punish the rebels and coddle the incompetents. They create districts that are safe for members of their own party and do not even pretend to compete.

Koch tried to change all that, even got a majority to sign on to his pledge. Then they ignored their oaths and did what they always do in the service of self.

Maybe that should be on his tombstone: He tried to reform the state Legislature and look where it got him.